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Kevin Costner is under legal scrutiny following serious allegations from a stuntwoman. The claims involve the director reportedly directing an unscripted and violent scene without prior notice or consent. This incident occurred while filming the actor’s upcoming Western film, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2.”
Stunt performer Devyn LaBella served as the lead double for actress Ella Hunt, who portrays Juliette Chesney in the film. In this four-part series co-produced by Costner, who also stars, the incident has sparked considerable debate about safety standards on film sets.
The formal complaint, filed Tuesday in the Superior Court of California for Los Angeles County, accuses Costner and his production companies of sexual harassment, discrimination, fostering a hostile work environment, and retaliation stemming from an on-set incident in May 2023.
In response, Costner’s attorney, Marty Singer, strongly denied the allegations against his client, declaring that the claims hold “absolutely no merit.” He refuted LaBella’s statements as unfounded.
The Allegations Unfold
The lawsuit states that on May 2, 2023, LaBella was subjected to a violent and unscripted rape scene overseen by Costner. According to the legal documents, this event has significantly affected LaBella’s career, leading to lasting trauma.
LaBella is pursuing unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial. The complaint further elaborates that she was hired under a SAG-AFTRA contract, which mandates that any scenes involving nudity or simulated sex require a 48-hour notice, consent, and the presence of an intimacy coordinator.
SAG-AFTRA Protocols Ignored
It is alleged that Hunt’s contract stipulated the necessity of an intimacy coordinator for any sensitive scenes. However, according to the lawsuit, this protocol was disregarded on the filming day of May 2. Instead of adhering to protocol, the actress reportedly was not informed of the new scene, nor were the appropriate safety measures followed.
The ordeal reportedly began on May 1, when LaBella performed in a scripted rape scene under the guidance of an intimacy coordinator, with all required safety protocols being observed. The lawsuit claims that no issues arose during this initial filming.
However, the following day, the situation escalated. After Hunt allegedly left the set, Costner improvised scenes that required the other actor to perform a violent simulated rape. LaBella alleges that this conduct lacked proper notice and preparation, violating established safety protocols.
A Traumatic Experience
The newly improvised scenes compelled LaBella to act as a stand-in for Hunt, which led to further distress. The lawsuit alleges that Costner directed the male actor to repeatedly simulate violence against her character, all while failing to engage the required intimacy coordinator. This lack of oversight allegedly resulted in LaBella experiencing considerable stress on set.
Furthermore, according to the complaint, the filming environment was drastically different from the prior days. While initial scenes featured tight crew control with excluded personnel, the May 2 shooting reportedly exposed LaBella to a chaotic and unregulated setting, elevating her anxiety.
To heighten the distress, the lawsuit claims that Costner did not consistently mark the beginning or end of scenes. This lack of direction compounded the confusion, leaving LaBella with little opportunity to process the situation or assert her discomfort.
Aftermath of the Incident
In the wake of the filming, LaBella reported severe emotional distress, including episodes of crying and a feeling of humiliation. She took several days off to gather herself before returning to the set, where, according to her claims, the atmosphere had become tense. Production crew members allegedly acted with heightened caution around her, further isolating her from the cast.
Despite her attempts to return to work, LaBella felt ostracized, as she was directed to remain in her trailer and kept away from the set. She received apologies from multiple people, but such gestures only exacerbated her discomfort.
In June 2023, LaBella sought therapy to help manage symptoms from the alleged traumatic encounter. She reported experiencing distressful memories, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and an aversion to intimacy.
A Commitment to Change
LaBella expressed in a statement that the incident left her feeling exposed and betrayed by a system that promised safety and professionalism. She highlighted that this experience has ignited her passion for advocating for better safety and consent standards on film sets.
LaBella stated that she is now committed to ensuring that no one else has to endure the vulnerability she faced while working in the industry. She emphasized the importance of creating environments where communication and consent are foundational values.
On the other side, Singer maintained that Costner strives to foster a comfortable working atmosphere. In his statement, he dismissed LaBella’s accusations and argued that they contradict both her actions and the facts surrounding the case.
He characterized LaBella as a repeat accuser within the entertainment industry and asserted that her claims would not stand. He pointed to a positive text from LaBella to her supervisor after the incident, indicating her satisfaction with her experience on set.
Seeking Justice
The complex narrative surrounding this lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry regarding safety protocols, particularly concerning intimate scenes. As the case unfolds, it will likely draw attention to the broader dialogue about consent and workplace safety in film production.
The outcome of this legal battle remains to be seen, but it is evident that the testimonies and experiences shared by LaBella could have far-reaching implications for industry standards in the future.
